Rockwell Collins has successfully implemented an air-to-ground aviation communications network for Korea Airports Corporation (KAC), the service provider for airline and civil aviation communications in South Korea.

The new network leverages the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS®) to support airline operational control (AOC) and air traffic control (ATC) applications such as pre-departure clearance (PDC) and digital automatic terminal information service (D-ATIS). The Very High Frequency (VHF) Digital Link Mode 2 (VDL Mode 2)-capable network is 10 times faster than existing VHF systems.

“The successful launch of KAC’s network reinforces our strong partnership with South Korea and other countries such as China, Thailand and Japan that are using Rockwell Collins networks,” said Yun Chong, vice president, Commercial Aviation Services for Rockwell Collins. “Our decades of experience in developing and implementing aviation networks around the world are helping our customers fly safer, more efficient routes.”

South Korea, like many other countries, is preparing for the transition from voice to data communications, which is a major component of a number of airspace initiatives around the globe, including the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Next Generation Air Transport System (NextGen®) initiative. NextGen will enable real-time communication between controllers and flight crews using digital data transmissions to replace analog voice technology, and Rockwell Collins is providing critical support in leading this transition.